1,000 New CNG Stations to Open Nationwide

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Keystone Group LLC plans to open 1,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations throughout the United States, according to a Jacksonville Business Journal report.

Keystone Consulting, which specializes in commercial real estate consultations, operates offices in Jacksonville, Fla.; Boston; Raleigh, N.C.; Seattle; Atlanta; Chapel Hill, N.C.; and Richmond, Va.

The company will begin with a pilot project of opening 10 CNG stations in the near future and add more over the next four years, reported the news outlet. The pilot program will focus on fueling fleet vehicles.

It is uncertain exactly how long it will take for all 1,000 CNG stations to open.

According to the news source, Keystone Consulting has teamed with DeBartolo Development LLC to create the fueling stations. The companies are expected to join forces with local gas stations and convenience stores to increase accessibility to general consumers.

"This partnership represents both an end a beginning," said Edward M. Kobel, DeBartolo's president and COO, reported the Jacksonville Business Journal."By increasing accessibility to CNG, we will end the high price of transportation fuels, reduce pollution caused by using gasoline and diesel and decrease the impact foreign markets have on our nation's economy."